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DC United's Russell to retire this weekend

DC United defender Robbie Russell will retire from professional soccer this weekend it has been confirmed.

The 33-year old veteran will call time on a career spanning 13 years after the Washington club take on Sporting Kansas City on Sunday.

Russell, who is set to pursue a medical degree, was praised by DC head coach Ben Olsen for his contribution to the club.

"Robbie has had a wonderful career, and we as an organization were lucky to play a small part in it," Olsen told the club's official website.

"He has helped mould our young players and has left, in a short time, a big imprint on this club."

Ghanaian-born Russell kicked off his career with Icelandic club Breidablik back in 2000 and has since spent time with Sogndal and Rosenborg in Norway, Viborg in Denmark and MLS' Real Salt Lake (winning the 2009 MLS Cup) before arriving at DC last year.

About the author

Andrew Slevison is an avid sports fan, particularly of the world game. The Melbourne, Australia native, who has spent time living in London and travelling South America, takes a keen interest in the English Premier League and Major League Soccer and rates his best live footballing moment as the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil.